What is the Name of Credit Card and How to Change It?

The name on the credit card is of the person who owns the credit card. In fact, the card holder’s name is the name on the credit card and he is the owner of the card. Usually, the name is printed on the front of the credit card. So, when you are trying to make an online payment with a credit card and see the “Name on Credit Card” field then you have to type the name that is printed on the front of the credit card.

The name on the credit card is very important information that in most cases you will need to make a transaction using the card. You will be happy to know that it is possible to change the name on the credit card. If you are wondering how then keep reading the article.

Reasons to Change the Name on the Credit Card

There are many reasons you might need to change the name on a credit card. The most common reason is if you’ve gone through a marriage or divorce. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to get married or divorced to change your name. Depending on the state you live in, if you are an adult then you might be able to change your name for just about any reason. So, if you change your name then you have to change the name on your credit card to match the legal documents that reflect your new name. If you want to change the name because of a marriage or divorce then you have to show/submit your marriage license or divorce decree. However, if you want to change the name for a different reason then you have to provide a court order approving the name change.

How to Change the Name on a Credit Card?

Changing the name on a credit card is a simple process but you have to go through some steps. You have to change the name on your social security card, as well as on your government-issued ID before you can change the credit card name.

Change the Social Security Card Name

You can easily change the social security card name by mail or by visiting a Social Security office near you. There is no online option available to submit a name change request. In order to change the name, you have to follow the below instruction – 

• You have to complete a name change application first
• You have to provide legal proof of your name change, the legal proof could be a marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree
• Submit current and valid government-issued ID, for example, a driver’s license or passport
• You might need to provide a proof of citizenship or additional documents to verify your identity

Once you submit your application with valid and required documents, the Social Security Administration will mail you a new Social Security card after varying all the documents. The new card will contain your new name. Usually, it takes 10 to 14 business days from the time your application is processed to receive your new card.  

Change the Government-issued ID Card Name

If you have a government-issued ID card like a driver’s license, passport, or other ID then you might need to change the name on the card before you can change the Credit card name. If you want to change the name on your driver’s license then the process varies depending on the state where you live in. In some states, you might need to apply for a new driving license if you want to have a new name on your ID. You have to follow the below process – 

• You have to submit a complete application
• Legal documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to prove the change of your name
• Your current driver’s license

When you submit the name change application, the state transportation agency or DMV might confirm the name change with the Social Security Administration. Therefore, you have to change your name with the Social Security Administration before you will be able to change your license.

Detail Process of Changing Name on a Credit Card

If you want to change the name on a credit card then you have to contact the credit card company first. You have to find out the policy regarding changing the name on an account. You have to find out what documents you have to submit and how you could submit them. Then you have to collect any documents and information that are requested by the company. The card issuing company might ask you to submit or see your new Social Security card or driver’s license and other legal proof of your new name. You might have to submit a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order with the changed name on it. After gathering all the required information and documents you have to submit all the documents to the card-issuing company. Then the company will verify all the documents and then change the name on your credit card.

Does Changing Credit Card Name Affect Credit?

Usually, changing the name on your credit card won’t affect your credit report or credit score. Moreover, if you get married then it won’t affect your credit score because when you get married, your financial accounts aren’t added to your spouse’s credit report. Your individual account will stay on your own credit report. However, if you open a joint account with your spouse then it could impact your credit score. For example, if you take a mortgage or car loan together or open a joint credit card account then it will appear on both of your credit reports and it will impact both of your credit scores. So, it is quite clear that changing the name of your credit card won’t affect your credit score.

FAQs about What is the Name on Credit Card and How to Change It?

What does the cardholder name mean on a credit card?

The cardholder’s name on a credit card is the person who is authorized to use the card. 

Does the cardholder’s name have to match the purchase name?

For most banks, it is not mandatory to match the cardholder’s name with the purchase name. You have to provide the right PIN or CVV to complete the transaction using a credit card.

What does it mean when it says incorrectly formatted cardholder name?

If you see “incorrectly formatted cardholder name” when you provide the cardholder’s name then it means there are issues with the cardholder’s name in records. You have to contact the card-issuing company and solve the problem or you won’t be able to use the card.

How do I verify a credit card with my name?

In order to verify a credit card with your name, you have to contact the card-issuing company directly. Then you have to verify your name, address, phone number, and address.

References:

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-change-a-name-on-a-credit-card/
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/how-to-change-your-name-on-a-credit-card/

Last Updated on August 7, 2022 by Ana S. Sutterfield